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What is the Age of Irony?

G. Melanson
G. Melanson

The Age of Irony is a term used to define a period of cynicism in society in which extreme beliefs or emotions are not taken seriously or dismissed altogether, typically through vehicles such as black comedy, satire, sarcasm, or absurdity. Some suggest that this reaction, particularly in Western society, stems from a sense of invulnerability to the extremities of horror and chaos experienced in other parts of the world. Conversely, others theorize that the sense of detachment arose as a defense mechanism to cope with feelings of extreme vulnerability.

The issues of when the Age of Irony began, and whether or not we are still living in it are often debated. Many associate it with the era of postmodernism, which is generally agreed to have begun in the late 20th century. In “Critic's Notebook: The Age of Irony Isn't Over After All”, Michiko Kakutani notes that the popularity of the theme song to the hit TV show, M*A*S*H, “Suicide is Painless”, is one early example. A more recent example is the success of Michael Moore’s post September 11 documentary, “Fahrenheit 9/11", which acknowledges the extreme suffering of Americans caused by the terrorist attacks, and also implicates the country’s leaders and culture of violence simultaneously.

Woman standing behind a stack of books
Woman standing behind a stack of books

Less than three weeks following the terrorist attacks of 11 September 2001, Roger Rosenblatt predicted in his Time magazine article, “The Age Of Irony Comes To An End”, that the attacks heralded a new and chastened time in which the horrors of grief and bereavement would usher in an awakened sincerity. However, in “The Final Irony," written two years later and featured in the UK’s The Guardian, Zoe Williams pointed out that the Age of Irony did not end at that time, and is, ironically, thriving.

Advancements in new media and the communication capabilities of the Internet seem to have supported the survival of the Age of Irony into the new millennium. Websites such as The Onion and Funny or Die regularly parody serious topics such as the War in Iraq and America’s economic meltdown. Television shows such as The Daily Show, The Colbert Report, and This Hour Has 22 Minutes, which all pose as television news reports, also satirize current topics, and frequently mix serious issues alongside absurd issues for further irony.

Discussion Comments

donasmrs

Some people think of the Age of Irony as an abnormal phase of detachment and indifference. It's almost talked about as an illness that needs to be treated or something that's out of the ordinary and maybe even harmful.

I completely disagree with these views. I think that irony is normal and even healthy. I don't think of irony as detachment. I think that irony is a courageous and intelligent way to express ourselves. It's a tool that allows society to discuss issues that it might not be able to discuss otherwise. In a way, it's about coming to terms with reality, accepting it and trying to work through problems in a positive way. I think that there is something very honest and forthcoming about the Age of Irony. It's definitely not detachment or ignorance and I sure hope that we are still in this age.

discographer

Another theory is that the Age of Irony died during the September 11 attacks, but reincarnated afterward. I'm not sure which theory about the Age of Irony is true, but I also agree that irony is still very much a part of life.

fify

I don't think that the Age of Irony is over either. I think that more and more people are learning about irony and are using irony to deal with serious issues. It's probably a subconscious response to negativity and problems faced in the modern world. Our brain has only a certain capacity to grieve. After a point, depression and grievance becomes unbearable and the brain finds ways to deal with it. I think that irony is one way to deal with these issues.

The increasing popularity of dark comedies in cinema is certainly a great example. I watch many films and I am coming across more and more dark comedies. Films in general use irony much more than before, whether it's comic irony, dramatic irony or cosmic irony.

Just recently I saw a dark comedy about suicide. In the film, those who want to commit suicide are taken to a suicide school so that they can learn the basics and make sure that their death is easy, painless and clean. It sounds absurd but the film, instead of being morbid and depressing, actually gives hope about life and discourages suicide. I think it's a brilliant way to take on a sensitive subject like suicide.

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      Woman standing behind a stack of books